Do Pressure Groups Enhance or Undermine Democracy?

Citizens who participate in pressure groups often argue that their actions result in the enhancement of Democracy. The supporters of pressure groups claim they foster positive pluralism that results in a more effective democratic system. This view is often criticized by some political scientists who argue these organized pressure pods work to undermine the policy-making process in a nation. Those who participate in these groups often do so with vested interests. In some cases, their concerns often serve only to improve the relative position of certain groups. In a society with liberal Democracy, these groups can often form the minority; however, its main elements lobby for reforms to serve them. Political scientists often argue the democratic system is enough for a relatively effective and representative political system.

Pressure groups can take many forms. These groups are found within churches, schools, conservationist groups or trade unions. These groups often form an integral part of influencing government decisions. Individuals band together to lobby the government into attending to their particular requirements. Democracy is set up to provide citizens with representative rights. Parliamentarians are chosen by the electorate and given the mandate to represent them in the law-making processes. Pressure groups lobby the elected parliamentarians bringing a collective approach to exert more powerful pressure on the lawmakers. These groups can unite similar ideas and opinions into a cohesive format that will assist them in influencing decisions.

Many pressure groups exist worldwide, and these can even be political parties by nature. The primary way to describe a pressure group is those who try to influence government policies and activities whilst not contesting for a position. These groups are often ordinary civilians who seek to remain apart from the government.

Types of Pressure Groups

The two main categories of pressure groups are sectional and promotional.

Sectional Lobby Groups

These groups are formed to protect a common self-interest. These groups belong to a section of society that often wishes to better their current predicament or social standing through the introduction of legislation. These sectional groups include trade unions, religious groups, business organizations, ethnic groups and war veterans.

Promotional Lobby Groups

These lobby groups exist to further a cause. Individuals form these groups to promote particular causes. The group’s beliefs or values champion these causes. Some examples include conservation, environmental, women’s, and civil or moral rights.

However, the two groups can overlap because sectional lobby groups can also promote issues similar to their particular causes.

Pressure groups vary in size and organizational structure. This factor, however, doesn’t correlate directly with the amount of influence they can exert over lawmakers. A government’s policies can often be swayed by mass action. If the cause is captivating, organizations such as trade unions, business organizations and professional associations can rally sufficient supporters for mass demonstrations. These events can pressure a government into quickly altering a policy decision.

How do Pressure Groups enhance Democracy?

Some problems facing society can be overwhelming and far-reaching. The democratic system only gives citizens a voice once every 4 – 6 years, depending on the country. Pressure groups serve as a bridge between lawmakers and the general public. During a lawmaker’s term, pressure groups can keep governments more responsive to the immediate and long-term wishes of the community. These elements help get things done when there aren’t elections to hold politicians accountable for their promises.
Pressure groups are often born out of the community. These individuals often relate to and can adequately express the challenges faced by minority or majority groups. These sections of society may sometimes not receive adequate attention to their problems from the government.
Pressure groups are sometimes subject experts who can provide the government with vital information to help guide their policies. Pressure groups that monitor essential safety areas such as climate can often offer significant assistance to the government.
Pressure groups are the manifestation of an alternative voice in the community. An environment that allows these groups to exist safely breeds numerous agents. Citizens sometimes wish to have a voice without joining a political party. Multiple approaches help promote opportunities for political participation.

Pressure groups promote free speech. The democratic rights that guarantee freedom of speech, assembly, and association to be upheld are crucial to Democracy.

How do Pressure Groups Undermine Democracy?

Pressure groups often exert different levels of influence on the community. Other groups are well funded and have access to substantial resources. These benefits work to ensure they can mobilize and amplify their voice. These groups often find funding from a powerful minority force in society. These groups can exert a political influence, which will be detrimental to the majority of the community.
Not all pressure groups have genuine motives. Some will leverage their political connections to pursue selfish interests. A group of well-connected individuals can often exert influence because of their financial position. The impact may be out of proportion to their role in society.
When pressure groups mobilize, the results of mass action can be detrimental to society. This form of direct action by pressure groups can include strikes, demonstrations, and protests. These events can lead to hardship in the community. When protests or strikes shut down critical financial sectors, the more significant population can experience scarcity and inflation.